A homeowners policy will often extend a little coverage to a small, low-horsepower boat — but the limits are usually very low and the protection narrow. Anything beyond a dinghy or a modest fishing boat generally needs its own watercraft policy.
What a boat policy covers
- Hull / physical damage — damage to the boat itself from collision, grounding, fire, theft, or sinking, including the motor and trailer.
- Liability — injuries or property damage you cause to others on the water, which can be substantial in a collision with another vessel.
- Fuel-spill liability — cleanup costs and fines if your boat leaks fuel, which federal and state law can hold you responsible for.
- Wreck removal — the cost to remove a sunk or stranded boat, which owners are often legally required to do.
- Medical payments and uninsured boater — for injuries to you and your passengers.
Personal watercraft
Jet skis and similar PWCs are typically insured the same way and are rarely covered well by a home policy at all. Given how often they're involved in injury claims, liability coverage is the priority.
The key takeaway for clients: don't assume the boat is "on the house policy." Confirm the actual limits, and for anything meaningful, get a dedicated marine policy.
Educational only — confirm against the actual policy and your carrier's guidelines.